Betty's Staff Show Support for North Yorkshire Woodland

Bettys has celebrated its support of a pioneering North Yorkshire woodland project by holding an inaugural Bettys Day there.

Staff from the iconic café and tea rooms spent the morning at Three Hagges Jubilee Wood at Escrick, near York, sowing seeds and learning about the unique project.

Bettys is backing the Hagge Woods Trust, which manages the 25-acre wood, to encourage its development into a beautiful and thriving community woodland.

Sam Gibson, the Ethical Projects Officer of Bettys, explained: “We’re delighted to become involved with the wonderful work the Hagge Woods Trust is undertaking. We’ve been passionate about tree planting and protection since 1990 and it’s lovely to be able to support a project on our doorstep that our staff at Bettys can learn about and even help to create.

“We’ve spent a very enjoyable and informative morning taking part in the sowing of native seeds and a woodland tour. Our support is funding the establishment of beds in which we will raise a selection of native plants to enrich the wood and meadow,” said Sam.

Rosalind Forbes Adam, who designed and master-minded the Three Hagges Jubilee Wood with her son Beilby, explained: “We are tremendously indebted to Bettys for their public support of our project and their proactive approach to conserving trees and the environment. We are looking forward very much look forward to the involvement of Bettys’ staff in our wood.”

She added: “Our goal is to raise the bar for beauty and ecological diversity in the creation of new woodland, as well as for the community to enjoy surroundings which will feature wildflowers, fine grasses and meandering pathways.”

“We want to make sure that Three Hagges Wood is not only a beautiful place to visit but also supports a diverse range of wildlife, which is why every species of plant has been selected for its value to birds, small mammals, bees, butterflies and other wildlife.”

Bettys will be working very closely with biologist Lin Hawthorne, who is a Project Officer of the Hagge Woods Trust and the leading mind behind the creation of the new woodland.

Rosalind Forbes Adam said: “Lin is massively important to our project. She was in charge of the Bettys Day and will be writing nature notes for the Bettys’ website. She has led this project from the front and been an immense help to my son Beilby and myself as we strive to turn our dream into a reality.”

Meanwhile the Forestry Commission has approved a Woodland Improvement Grant for Three Hagges Wood, which will enable the Trust to create communities facilities such as benches, signs and parking.

Rosalind Forbes Adam added: “We have been very heartened by the financial support we have received from firms and individuals in Yorkshire and beyond during the past year, which is enabling us to create a beautiful woodland to be enjoyed by future generations